EAST Express Tabao Theology Podcast – Be My Valentine
14 February is Saint Valentine’s Day!
In this episode of EAST Express Tabao Theology, EAST faculty Rev Jacob and Mrs Josephine Li address questions like: Should Christians celebrate Valentine’s Day? What is its origin? Was it really a pagan festival?
Also, regardless of whether or not you celebrate Valentine’s Day, they have some practical tips on how to cultivate a thriving marriage and relationship that you or your friends may find helpful. Read more
Devotion to God
“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” Psalms 116:1-2 NIV.
The psalmist begins his song with a declaration of love, simply announcing to all who listen that he loves the Lord, as should be our attitude in our lives, boldly proclaiming our love for Him. The next 2 verses describe what God has done for us to deserve this devotion.
“He heard my cry” and “He turned his ear to me”. Our loving Father in heaven listens to our prayers, thanksgiving and lamentations. Our Love is shown in return when we turn to him at all times in our lives be it highs or lows, and we are to call on him for as long as we live.
Being Loving
As Christians, we are told to love and be loving towards those around us. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 details just what that love should entail. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Patience, kindness, humility, honour, selflessness, forgiveness, honesty are some of the core values of Christian love. It is very possible to excel in one aspect but falter in others. Are you selfless, yet hold an old grudge? Or perhaps humble, but not always entirely honest with your loved ones.
Often, we are blinded to our own shortcomings or have justified them to ourselves. Seek the help of a member of your community, to find out what aspect of love you may be lacking, and work on improving it.
Devotion to each other, and serve the Lord
Obedience to the Lord
Deuteronomy 6:4-5, ESV – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
The great commandment as elucidated by the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 22:37 was based on the great shema of the Israelites to love and obey their one and only God: a love relationship which is exclusive and involves the whole being.
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